News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed support for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its decision to withdraw recognition from the rival factions of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

INEC had earlier stated that it would no longer recognise or relate with the two opposing groups within the ADC led by former Senate President David Mark and Nafiu Bala Gombe. The commission explained that its action followed a review of a recent Court of Appeal judgment. It added that it would maintain the status quo until the Federal High Court gives a final ruling on the matter.

As part of the decision, INEC also removed the names of executives loyal to Mark from its official portal. The move sparked criticism from members of that faction.

Reacting to the development, APC spokesperson Felix Morka said the crisis within the ADC was caused by the party’s internal actions. He dismissed claims that the ruling party played any role in the situation.

“INEC decision to de-recognise the David Mark executive was utterly self-inflicted. APC didn’t do that. You orchestrate the hijack of the ADC by that executive. We didn’t. They did,” Morka said.

He also accused the Mark-led group of failing to follow due process in taking control of the party.

“You come in with your parachutes; you take over the party without reference to the constitutional stipulation about succession and how leadership is ordered in that party. This is the consequence,” he added.

However, the ADC faction loyal to Mark has rejected INEC’s stance. The group alleged that the electoral body acted under external influence in taking the decision.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The federal government has announced Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, as public holidays in celebration of this year’s Eid-el-Fitr.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this in a statement released on Tuesday.

Eid-el-Fitr is observed by Muslims worldwide to mark the conclusion of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.

In his message, the minister congratulated Muslims on completing the fasting period. He urged them to continue to reflect the values of love, generosity, peace, tolerance, and sacrifice associated with Ramadan.

He also encouraged Nigerians to use the festive period to offer prayers for peace, unity, and progress in the country.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Thursday, 19th March, and Friday, 20th March 2026, as public holidays to mark the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr, which signifies the end of the holy month of Ramadan,” the statement reads.

“While wishing the Muslim faithful a joyful Eid-ul-Fitr celebration, the Minister encourages citizens to celebrate responsibly and extend acts of kindness to the less privileged in society.”

Tunji-Ojo further advised citizens to celebrate in a responsible manner and show kindness to vulnerable members of society.

He added that the federal government remains focused on strengthening national unity and ensuring peaceful coexistence across Nigeria.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has extended its Student Loan Application Portal to accommodate the growing nationwide interest generated by its ongoing awareness campaign.

The extension follows a reminder last week that the portal was scheduled to close on February 27, 2026. In response to feedback from students and stakeholders, NELFUND provided additional days to allow eligible applicants sufficient time to complete their submissions.

In a statement on Monday, signed by the Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, NELFUND said:

“The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has approved an extension of its Student Loan Application Portal following a significant increase in awareness and nationwide demand generated by its ongoing sensitisation campaign.

“The Fund has approved some additional days to ensure all eligible students are given adequate opportunity to complete their applications, pending further management decisions and communications.”

The announcement targets students requiring extra time, prospective applicants informed through recent outreach, institutions that have just commenced their 2025/2026 academic session, and schools that have yet to submit verified student lists.

“Our sensitisation efforts across the six geopolitical zones have significantly increased awareness and participation. Therefore, in line with our mandate to expand access to tertiary education financing, we have approved an extension to ensure that all eligible students have a fair and equal opportunity to apply,” said NELFUND Managing Director and Chief Executive, Akintunde Sawyerr.

NELFUND advised institutions that have not yet started the 2025/2026 session to submit an official extension request with their approved academic calendar. Students are urged to complete their applications via the official portal before it closes permanently.

The Fund reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and sustainable student financing solutions designed to remove financial barriers to higher education in Nigeria.

As of the portal’s previous closure date, NELFUND had received 1.69 million applications and disbursed N183.8 billion.

Established under the Nigeria Student Loan Scheme, enacted by President Bola Tinubu in April 2024, NELFUND provides interest-free loans to students in public tertiary institutions to cover tuition and living expenses. Applications opened in May 2024 to support students from low-income backgrounds. Beneficiaries repay the loans after graduation and securing employment.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Hisbah Board says it recovered more than N145 million for residents through mediation on child support and debt-related disputes in 2025, marking one of its most significant interventions in recent years.

The disclosure was made by the Deputy Commander of the board, Dr. Mujahiddeen Aminuddeen, in an audio briefing, where he outlined the agency’s activities across the state during the year under review.

According to Dr. Aminuddeen, a total sum of N145,406,409 was recovered from cases involving debt disputes and child support, ensuring that divorced mothers and creditors received what was due to them without the delays often associated with conventional court processes. He described the recovery as a major milestone in the board’s efforts to promote social justice.

“Hisbah has successfully recovered what belongs to some people. By the grace of God, the total reached N145,406,409,” he said.

Beyond financial mediation, the deputy commander explained that the board recorded a surge in demand for its counselling services in 2025. He said the counselling department handled 93,231 cases involving individuals seeking guidance on marital, family and personal issues during the period.

He further disclosed that the board received 12,446 complaints, out of which 1,908 cases were successfully resolved through reconciliation. For cases that involved criminal elements, Dr. Aminuddeen said 4,246 suspects were processed by Hisbah and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and prosecution.

The deputy commander also noted that Hisbah carried out nine major operations between January and December 2025, leading to 132 arrests. He explained that such operations were aimed at addressing activities considered harmful to public order and the moral values of Kano State, including a widely reported raid on an illegal gathering in Hotoro late last year.

Dr. Aminuddeen attributed the board’s achievements in 2025 to the cooperation and support of Kano residents, stressing that the agency’s work is guided by a sense of religious and moral responsibility. “This was not a small effort. Hisbah is the work of God,” he said, adding that public support played a crucial role in the successes recorded.

He reaffirmed the board’s commitment to mediation, counselling and collaboration with security agencies, noting that Hisbah would continue to prioritise social harmony, justice and the protection of vulnerable members of society across the state.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar

Bandits have reportedly kidnapped six young girls and a 16-year-old boy from the Gidan-Bijimi settlement in Abuja’s Bwari Area Council.

The assault, which occurred around 9:47 pm on Wednesday, has intensified fears over the capital’s worsening security situation.

Armed with AK-47 rifles, the assailants targeted two homes, firing repeatedly into the air before escaping with their captives into the night.

The victims, young women aged 17 to 23 and the teenage boy, are yet to be contacted by their abductors.

A local resident confirmed that community vigilantes attempted to intervene but were overpowered by the bandits’ superior firepower.

The area, which borders Kaduna State and is near forests known as criminal hideouts, has seen a spike in such attacks.

This incident follows a similar raid in the nearby Guto community just one week prior, where a police officer was killed.

In response to the escalating crisis, the FCT Administration has announced the full activation of “Operation Sweep,” a multi-agency security initiative.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has replaced the country’s service chiefs.The changes, which take immediate effect, were announced in a press release from the State House on Thursday.

The outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has been replaced by General Olufemi Oluyede. Other new appointments include Major-General W. Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshall S.K Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff.However, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P Undiendeye, will retain his position.

President Tinubu expressed his “most profound appreciation” to the outgoing service chiefs for their “patriotic service, and dedicated leadership.”

The President charged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them and to further enhance the “professionalism, vigilance and comradeship” of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

This restructuring is part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the national security architecture amidst ongoing security challenges across the country.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A leadership crisis has erupted in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after Nafiu Bala, the party’s 2023 Gombe State governorship candidate, declared himself Interim National Chairman on Thursday.

Bala, who previously served as the party’s National Deputy Chairman, announced his new role during a press conference in Abuja.

He accused former party leaders of abandoning their constitutional duties and handing over ADC’s structures to “powerful outsiders.”

The position is currently held by former Senate President David Mark, who was appointed interim chairman after an opposition coalition adopted ADC as its platform.

Bala, however, insists his assumption of the role is legitimate under the party’s constitution.

He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize the leadership change, warning that failure to adhere to ADC’s constitutional guidelines could lead to legal action.

Bala vowed to restore internal democracy, stating, “No party leader has the right to transfer elected mandates to non-members.”

The development signals deepening divisions within the opposition party.

By Uzair Adam

The Military High Command has labeled the notorious bandit and terrorist leader, Bello Turji, as a “dead man walking.”

Turji, infamous for his criminal activities in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Niger states, remains one of the most wanted terrorist figures in North-western Nigeria.

Speaking during a briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, reviewed the military’s 2024 efforts in counter-terrorism and banditry.

“Terrorists exist to perpetuate war, but they must be eliminated for peace to thrive. Our troops have maintained relentless pressure on terrorist enclaves, strongholds, and hideouts to hasten their defeat,” Buba said.

He disclosed that thousands of terrorists, including commanders and foot soldiers, were neutralized during the year.

“Bello Turji is a prime example. He is merely a dead man walking, and his end is inevitable, just like the others we have eliminated,” he added.

Buba went on to stated the military’s success against several high-profile terrorist leaders in 2024.

Among those neutralized were Halilu Sububu, Dutse Mainasara Idda, Mohammed Amadu, and Alhaji Baldu, alongside many others.

He further revealed that the sustained intensity of military operations had compelled numerous terrorists, including their families, to surrender.

The military, Buba assured, would continue to employ overwhelming force to defend the country and ensure lasting peace for Nigerians.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State government, in coordination with security agencies, has announced a movement restriction across the state from midnight to 6:00 PM on Saturday.

The measure, confirmed by Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs Baba Halilu Dantiye, is intended to ensure a peaceful and secure environment for the local government elections set for October 26.

In his statement on Friday, Dantiye called on residents to comply with the restrictions, emphasizing the government’s commitment to a credible and transparent electoral process.

The restrictions apply to both individuals and vehicles throughout the 44 local government areas and 484 electoral wards in the state.

This directive aims to maintain order and prevent potential disruptions during the election.

However, exemptions are granted for those involved in official election duties and essential services.

The Kano State Government encourages all citizens to support this effort.

It also reiterated that strict adherence to these guidelines is crucial for a safe and successful electoral process.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has arrested several top officials over a significant corruption scandal involving the procurement of drugs and medical equipment for the 44 local governments in Kano State.

The investigation centers on allegations of financial misconduct and violations of procurement laws.

Among those detained are Ibrahim Muhammad Kabara, the Permanent Secretary of the Kano Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and Abdullahi Ibrahim Bashir, the Chairman of the State Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and Interim Council Chairman of Tarauni Local Government.

The Daily Reality gathered that additionally, five other officials were also arrested in connection with the case.

The Commission has also summoned Musa Garba, Managing Director of Novomed Pharmaceuticals and a nephew of former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, for questioning.

Sources indicate that Abdullahi Ibrahim Bashir confessed to illegally authorizing the payment of N402.6 million for the procurement, with N347.7 million already disbursed by 38 local governments before the Commission’s investigation commenced.

The detained officials, who have been held in custody since Tuesday morning, are undergoing interrogation by the Commission.